Mature and With an Eye to the Future

Abstract

That's how we imagine the Arthroscopy Journal represented in a personal ad. It sounds like pure Madison Avenue—the New York idiom for the advertising business—but it's an apt description for an anniversary year. Maturity means stability in a reassuring regard, and so it's almost like an old friend coming to visit when the Journal arrives each month with articles you can count on to address issues you just so happen to be considering: shoulder patient positioning safety,1Kwak H.J. Lee J.S. Lee D.C. Kim H.S. Kim J.Y. The effect of a sequential compression device on hemodynamics in arthroscopic shoulder surgery using beach-chair position.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 729-733Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar soft-tissue fixation,2Suchenski M. McCarthy M.B. Chowaniec D. Material properties and composition of soft-tissue fixation.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 821-831Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (57) Google Scholar hip arthroscopy outcome,3Singh P.J. O'Donnell J.M. The outcome of hip arthroscopy in Australian football league players: A review of 27 hips.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 743-749Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (101) Google Scholar knots,4Dahl K.A. Patton D.J. Dai Q. Wongworawat M.D. Biomechanical characteristics of 9 arthroscopic knots.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 813-818Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar and knee ACL (of course).5Silver A.G. Kaar S.G. Grisell M.K. Reagan J.M. Farrow L.D. Comparison between rigid and flexible systems for drilling the femoral tunnel through an anteromedial portal in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 790-795Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (40) Google Scholar, 6Conner C.S. Perez B.A. Morris R.P. Buckner J.W. Buford Jr, W.L. Ivey F.M. Three femoral fixation devices for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Comparison of fixation on the lateral cortex versus the anterior cortex.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 796-807Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (42) Google Scholar We also hear from Barber7Ruiz-Suarez M. Aziz-Jacobo J. Barber F.A. Cyclic load testing and ultimate failure strength of suture anchors in the acetabular rim.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 762-768Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (24) Google Scholar and twice from Philippon,8Philippon M.J. Briggs K.K. Hay C.J. Kuppersmith D.A. Dewing C.B. Huang M.J. Arthroscopic labral reconstruction in the hip using iliotibial band autograft: Technique and early outcomes.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 750-756Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (176) Google Scholar, 9Philippon M.J. Wolff A.B. Briggs K.K. Zehms C.T. Kuppersmith D.A. Acetabular rim reduction for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement correlates with preoperative and postoperative center-edge angle.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 757-761Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (87) Google Scholar whose names ring like classic song memories. Yet despite our comfort in stability, we have an eye to the future. We challenge past canons; we ask. For example, “The value of clinical tests in acute full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Does a subacromial lidocaine injection help in the clinical diagnosis?”10Bak K. Sørensen A.K.B. Jørgensen U. The value of clinical tests in acute full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon Does a subacromial lidocaine injection help in the clinical diagnosis? A prospective study.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 734-742Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (46) Google Scholar Take a guess—yes or no? What's your experience? Answer to be found within! We evolve as investigators as well: experienced authors11Lui T.H. Chan K.B. Chan L.K. Cadaveric study of zone 2 flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 808-812Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (29) Google Scholar have been asked to raise the level of evidence. The fruits of this international collaboration will be more original scientific articles, and here a pioneer of foot and ankle arthroscopic surgery12Lui T.H. Arthroscopy and endoscopy of the foot and ankle: Indications for new techniques.Arthroscopy. 2007; 23: 889-902Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (109) Google Scholar, 13Chan L.K. Lui T.H. Chan K.B. Anatomy of the portal tract for endoscopic decompression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve.Arthroscopy. 2008; 24: 1284-1288Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar, 14Lui T.H. Chan K.B. Chow H.T. et al.Arthroscopy-assisted correction of hallux valgus deformity.Arthroscopy. 2008; 24: 875-880Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar, 15Lui T.H. Chan K.B. Ng S. Arthroscopic lapidus arthrodesis.Arthroscopy. 2005; 21 (e1-1516.e4): 1516www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 16Lui T.H. New technique of arthroscopic triple arthrodesis.Arthroscopy. 2006; 22 (e1-464.e5): 464www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 17Lui T.H. Arthroscopic-assisted lateral ligamentous reconstruction in combined ankle and subtalar instability.Arthroscopy. 2007; 23 (e1-554.e5): 554www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 18Lui T.H. Arthroscopic resection of the calcaneonavicular coalition or the “too long” anterior process of the calcaneus.Arthroscopy. 2006; 22 (e1-903.e4): 903www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 19Lui T.H. Ng S. Chan K.B. Endoscopic distal soft tissue procedure in hallux valgus surgery.Arthroscopy. 2005; 21 (e1-1403.e7): 1403www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 20Lui T.H. Endoscopic-assisted Achilles tendon repair with plantaris tendon augmentation.Arthroscopy. 2007; 23 (e1-556.e5): 556www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 21Lui T.H. Arthroscopic subtalar release of post-traumatic subtalar stiffness.Arthroscopy. 2006; 22 (e1-1364.e4): 1364www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 22Lui T.H. Arthroscopic release of first metatarsophalangeal arthrofibrosis.Arthroscopy. 2006; 22 (e1-906.e4): 906www.arthroscopyjournal.orgPubMed Google Scholar, 23Lui T.H. Chan W.K. Chan K.B. The arthroscopic management of frozen ankle.Arthroscopy. 2006; 22: 283-286Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar, 24Lui T.H. First metatarsophalangeal joint arthroscopy in patients with hallux valgus.Arthroscopy. 2008; 24: 1122-1129Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (33) Google Scholar has submitted an evidence-based evaluation of his techniques; we hope future anatomic, biomechanical, or clinical evaluations (ABC) will follow.25Lubowitz J.H. Poehling G.G. Techniques in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: As simple as ABC, or putting the cart before the horse?.Arthroscopy. 2008; 24: 1089-1091Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar As the journal matures, we are raising the bar on the level of evidence, and all authors are likewise notified that we now rarely accept case reports or technical notes. Systematic reviews,26Modi C.S. Morris G. Mukherjee R. Computer-simulation training for knee and shoulder arthroscopic surgery.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 832-840Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (54) Google Scholar, 27Harris J.D. Brophy R.H. Siston R.A. Flanigan D.C. Treatment of chondral defects in the athlete's knee.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 841-852Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (131) Google Scholar and original scientific articles considering anatomy, biomechanics, and 2-year comparative clinical outcome studies are preferred. Authors should note that “comparative” means the inclusion of clinical controls, and Level IV evidence case series are no longer encouraged. When do we publish case reports or technical notes? We look for substantial originality and/or clinical relevance. Consider this issue's case report, “Arthroscopic Treatment of Unstable Total Hip Replacement,”28Cuéllar R. Aguinaga I. Corcuera I. Ponte J. Usabiaga J. Arthroscopic treatment of unstable total hip replacement.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 861-865Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar with its accompanying video. Cuéllar and his colleagues describe a novel solution to a devastating complication. Future investigation must now evaluate anatomic, biomechanical, and ultimately the 2-year clinical results (ABC) compared with a control. We consider this eye toward the future worth repeating. How might Madison Avenue describe Arthroscopy readers? Our readers, very many of whom we have met, seem to have a unique commonality—that in maturity, you continue to have an eye to the future. While you continue to increase your expertise in what you know, you also push to learn, challenge canons, seek answers to probing questions, learn new skills, and raise the bar. Last, you pursue the leading edge of technology. You may want to keep a close eye on robots.29Lubowitz J.H. Poehling G.G. Arthroscopy: The future.Arthroscopy. 2007; 23: 453-454Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (13) Google Scholar Our personal opinion of computer-simulation training is that it is not yet at the level where we prefer this newest technology to cadaveric and clinical training, but we also say that, with an eye to the future, computer simulation is today in our sights.26Modi C.S. Morris G. Mukherjee R. Computer-simulation training for knee and shoulder arthroscopic surgery.Arthroscopy. 2010; 26: 832-840Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (54) Google Scholar